Best long-term travel insurance for 2026 — Honest comparison

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Travel health insurance for long-term trips — My honest comparison across 82 countries

Long-term travel health insurance is mandatory if you're traveling for more than six weeks at a time—your statutory health insurance won't cover anything abroad. I learned this the hard way in 2016 when I embarked on my first long-term trip to Southeast Asia. Since then, I've put ADAC, HanseMerkur, and ERGO international health insurance policies to the test in 82 countries—some were excellent, others an absolute disaster.

In this post I share my personal experiences with the best providers, explain what you need to pay attention to when choosing, and reveal which insurance I currently use and why.

Why you need travel health insurance — the hard facts

Many people think, "I'm young and healthy, nothing will happen to me." I thought that too—until I ended up in the hospital in Colombia with severe food poisoning. Without insurance, the emergency room visit alone would have cost me over €2,000. In the US, even simple treatments can quickly run into five figures.

Here's the reality:

• A broken arm can cost €15,000–€40,000.
• Australia: An ambulance transport costs 800–3,000 AUD.
• Thailand: A hospital stay in a private hospital costs €500–2,000 per night.
• Altitude sickness treatment in Cusco: €300–1,200
• Return flight for medical reasons: €10,000–€80,000 depending on distance

Your statutory health insurance covers a maximum of 6 weeks in other EU countries — and even then, only to a limited extent. Outside of Europe? No coverage at all. Private supplementary insurance policies often have exclusions for "dangerous activities" — and that sometimes includes something as simple as snorkeling.

International health insurance comparison 2026: SafetyWing, HanseMerkur & ADAC tested

Over the past ten years, I have personally tested the following providers and compare them here according to the criteria that are truly important for long-term travelers.

1. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — My current main insurance policy

SafetyWing has been my primary personal travel insurance for all long-term trips outside Germany since 2024. The major difference compared to German providers: SafetyWing works like a monthly subscription—you don't book a single trip, but have ongoing coverage and can cancel at any time. Perfect for digital nomads, long-term backpackers, and anyone who doesn't know whether they'll be back in 6 or 18 months.

• Cost: From approx. 62 $/month (under 40 years old, without US coverage); US coverage optional for an additional fee
• Maximum travel duration: Unlimited — Subscription renews automatically
• Excess: 250 $ per claim
• Return transport included up to 100,000 $
• Countries: 180+ worldwide, treatments in the home country covered for up to 30 days per year.
• COVID: Treatment included, no exclusions
• Special features: Monthly cancellation option, no German forms required, online claim process in minutes

View SafetyWing →

Digital nomads, long-term backpackers without a fixed return date, content creators, remote workers, and anyone who wants to remain flexible. Those who primarily live in Germany and travel 2-3 times a year are better off with HanseMerkur — but for everyone who is frequently on the go, SafetyWing is currently the best choice on the market.

2. HanseMerkur — The German test winner

I've been using HanseMerkur since 2019 and it has never disappointed me. Their long-term "Travel Health Insurance for Long Trips" covers stays from 56 days up to 5 years. What really impressed me: When I needed a dentist in Saudi Arabia, the reimbursement was processed within two weeks—no questions asked.

• Cost: From €1.15/day (depending on age and destination)
• Maximum travel duration: Up to 5 years
• Deductible: None
• Return transport included (medically sensible)
• Pre-existing conditions: Acute deterioration covered
• Special feature: Stays at home of up to 6 weeks between trips are also insured.

3. ADAC international health insurance

ADAC insurance is cheaper, but also more limited. It's unbeatable for short trips up to 63 days—but less suitable for long-term travel. I had it on my first European trips and was happy with it, but then switched to something else for longer trips.

• Cost: From €12.80 per year (single person) for trips up to 63 days
• Maximum travel duration: 63 days per trip
• Deductible: None
• Return transport included (medically appropriate AND justifiable)
• Special feature: Extremely affordable for short trips

4. Allianz Travel — the premium provider

Allianz offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is also the most expensive. It's a solid choice for business travelers and those who want to play it safe. I used them for a three-month trip to South America—the claims process was professional, but the costs were noticeably higher.

• Cost: From €2.50/day for long-term trips
• Maximum trip duration: Up to 365 days (extendable)
• Excess amount: Varies depending on the tariff
• Return transport included
• Special feature: 24/7 emergency call center with German-speaking doctors

5. WorldNomads — the backpacker classic

WorldNomads WorldNomads was long the standard among backpackers because you could purchase insurance while traveling. However, prices have risen significantly in recent years, and reimbursements sometimes take months. For me, as a frequent traveler, it's no longer the first choice.

• Cost: From €3–6 per day depending on the region
• Maximum trip duration: Flexible extension possible
• Excess: €100–250 depending on the tariff
• Return transport included
• Special feature: Can also be taken out after the trip has started

Travel health insurance costs 2026 — ADAC, HanseMerkur, ERGO in a direct price comparison

Long-term international health insurance: What you need to consider when choosing one

Not all travel health insurance policies are the same. Here are the five criteria that I consider most important after years of testing:

1. Medically advisable vs. medically necessary repatriation

This is the most crucial difference. "Medically necessary" means you will only be flown back if you cannot be treated locally. "Medically advisable" means you will be flown back as soon as it would be better for your recovery. In a serious case, this difference could mean you spend weeks in a hospital in a developing country instead of being treated at home.

2. Coverage amount

The coverage amount should be at least €500,000—ideally unlimited. Especially if you're traveling to the USA, Canada, or Australia, where medical costs are astronomical. My HanseMerkur policy offers unlimited coverage, and that alone gives me peace of mind.

3. Exclusions for activities

Many insurance policies exclude "dangerous sports." And the definition varies considerably: some providers already include diving or kitesurfing. As someone who regularly kitesurfs and flies drones, I have to pay close attention to this. My advice: read the fine print and, if in doubt, ask the provider.

4. Pre-existing conditions

Most insurance policies don't cover pre-existing chronic conditions. However, good providers like HanseMerkur cover acute exacerbations of known illnesses. For example, if you have asthma and suffer a severe attack while on vacation, the insurance will pay out.

5. Dental treatments

Dental problems abroad are more common than you might think. Many insurance plans only cover pain management, not dentures or major procedures. During my dental visit in Saudi Arabia, the costs of €380 were fully covered by HanseMerkur – this isn't the case with every provider.

Claim with ADAC international health insurance — My experience

Colombia — Food poisoning in Cartagena

In 2019, in the middle of my backpacking trip through Colombia, I was struck down with a nasty case of food poisoning. Two nights in the hospital, IV fluids, lab tests — total cost: €1,800. Reimbursement by my insurance company at the time was processed smoothly within three weeks.

Saudi Arabia — Toothache in the middle of the desert

During a cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Board I suddenly had severe toothache. The dentist in Riyadh was excellent, the treatment cost €380. HanseMerkur reimbursed everything – I submitted the claim via their app, and the money was in my account after 12 days.

Norway — Drone crash and hand injury

While launching my drone in the Lofoten Islands, I cut my hand on a rocky edge in the wind. Nothing dramatic, but it required five stitches. In Norway, medical treatment costs for tourists are steep—€650 for simple wound care. Again, full reimbursement.

Travel health insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers

If you're practically always on the go, like me, you need a special solution. Standard travel health insurance requires you to have a permanent residence in Germany. As a long-term traveler, there are two options:

Option 1: Keep my residence + long-term travel insurance. This is what I'm doing: I remain registered in Germany, pay my statutory health insurance, and additionally have HanseMerkur travel insurance for long-term trips. This way, I'm insured both domestically and abroad.

Option 2: Deregister + international health insurance. Anyone deregistering their residence in Germany needs international health insurance such as SafetyWing or Cigna Global. These are more expensive (from €70/month), but offer worldwide coverage without residency restrictions.

The most common mistakes with travel health insurance

• Taking out insurance too late: Most insurance policies must be purchased BEFORE the trip. WorldNomads is one of the few exceptions.
• Don't check your coverage: Many people blindly book the cheapest rate without reading the exclusions. Kitesurfing, motorcycling, diving – often not covered.
• Do not keep receipts: Without original invoices and medical reports, there will be no reimbursement. I photograph every invoice immediately and save it in the cloud.
• Double insurance: Some people have coverage through both a credit card AND additional insurance and therefore pay twice unnecessarily.
• Insufficient coverage amount: €50,000 sounds like a lot — until you end up in intensive care in the USA.

Credit cards with travel health insurance — are they worth it?

Many premium credit cards, such as the Amex Platinum or the Barclays Visa, offer included travel health insurance. Sounds good at first, but there are catches:

• The trip must often have been paid for by card.
• Maximum trip duration usually only 45–90 days
• Coverage amounts are often lower than with specialized providers.
• Exclusions for pre-existing conditions are stricter

My conclusion: Okay as a supplement for short trips, definitely not sufficient as the sole protection for long-term trips.

My setup for 2024/2025

I am currently running the following setup:

• Basis: Statutory health insurance in Germany (TK)
• Long-term travel: HanseMerkur long-term tariff (€1.15/day)
• Additionally: Amex Platinum credit card (as a backup for short trips)
• Equipment insurance: Separate photo equipment insurance for my camera and drone (approx. €200/year)

Total cost for comprehensive insurance coverage: under €600 per year. That's less than a single treatment abroad would cost.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Health Insurance

Do I need travel health insurance for EU countries?

Generally, your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) provides basic medical care in EU countries. However, repatriation and private treatment are not covered, and the quality of public healthcare is limited in some countries. I recommend supplemental insurance even for EU travel—if only for repatriation coverage.

What happens if I get sick during the trip and want to cancel the insurance?

Most providers do not allow cancellation during ongoing treatment. However, you can cancel the insurance at the end of the contract period. Ongoing treatments will usually still be processed.

Does the insurance cover COVID treatments?

Yes, most reputable providers have now included COVID as a regular illness. However, quarantine costs and cancellations are often NOT covered. You need to read the terms and conditions carefully.

Can I extend my insurance while traveling?

Yes, with HanseMerkur — via email or online portal. Most other providers also offer this, but often with a waiting period of 2–4 weeks for renewal.

What is the difference between travel health insurance and international health insurance?

They're practically the same thing. "Travel health insurance" is more commonly used, while "international health insurance" is the more technically correct term. Pay attention to the scope of coverage, not the name.

Are drone accidents covered by insurance?

Personal injuries caused by your own drone are covered—yes, unless drone flights are explicitly excluded. Damage to the drone itself is NOT covered by travel health insurance; for that, you need separate drone insurance or equipment insurance. As a content creator with expensive equipment, I strongly recommend a separate policy.

Conclusion — My clear recommendation

After traveling to 82 countries and experiencing several insurance claims, I can confidently say: don't skimp on travel health insurance. For long-term travelers, HanseMerkur is my clear favorite—affordable daily rates, no excess, unlimited coverage, and hassle-free reimbursements. For short trips of up to two months, ADAC is unbeatable in terms of price.

No matter which provider you choose: the most important thing is that you have one. Because in an emergency, travel health insurance can not only save you thousands of euros — but in the worst case, it can save your life.

Checklist before your next trip

To make sure you don't forget anything, here's my personal checklist that I go through before every long-term trip:

• Check your insurance coverage: Is your current policy still valid? Does it cover your travel destination?
• Check the coverage amount: At least €500,000 for countries with expensive healthcare.
• Clarify activities: Kitesurfing, diving, motorcycling — are all explicitly covered?
• Read the repatriation clause: "Medically sensible" instead of just "medically necessary"
• Save emergency number: Save your insurance company's emergency hotline number to your mobile phone; it will also be available offline.
• Secure documents digitally: Store insurance certificate, policy number and emergency contact in the cloud.
• Update your vaccinations: Some insurance companies require up-to-date vaccinations for certain destinations.
• Pack your medications: Put together your personal travel pharmacy — especially for remote destinations

This list has saved my vacation more than once. The section with the emergency number is particularly helpful: I once had a problem in Venezuela and was able to call the HanseMerkur hotline directly. Within 30 minutes, they recommended a hospital and immediately confirmed coverage. That's the kind of service you only truly appreciate when you need it.

Traveling is the best thing you can do with your money—but only if you're protected. Invest a few euros a day in good insurance and enjoy your trip worry-free. Trust me—I'm speaking from experience.

Insurance for Content Creators — Special Case: Equipment

As a travel content creator, I carry equipment worth over €8,000: a camera with two lenses, a drone, an action camera, tripods, filters, and memory cards. This equipment is, of course, NOT covered by standard travel health insurance.

I have separate photo equipment insurance that covers theft, damage, and even loss by airlines. It costs me around €200 per year—a fraction of what a single lens costs. This is essential, especially when traveling, where you're constantly in new places and have equipment in hostels, rental cars, or on the beach.

My tip for other creators: Check your home insurance – some policies cover equipment abroad, up to a certain value. Alternatively, providers like Hepster or Allianz offer special electronics insurance policies that also cover travel.

About the author

Max Haase

Travel Content Creator · Drone Photographer · Visual Storyteller

A professional travel creator for over 10 years with over 4 million followers. Specializing in high-end tourism board collaborations and visual travel storytelling.

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